Oceana Kingston has licence revoked following fatal stabbing

Hannah Crompton

Oceana Kingston has had its licence revoked for 14 days following the fatal stabbing of 20-year-old Jamie Sanderson.

Kingston borough council, cooperating with the Metropolitan Police, suspended the licence to allow for a “serious criminal investigation”.

In a statement, Councillor Derek Osbourne, leader of the Kingston Council, said: “We work hard with the police and other partners to make sure that our streets and venues are safe for everybody living here and those who come for a good night out.

“We will act on any lessons to be learned from this sad episode.”

Council concerns

Detectives are still investigating the stabbing of Mr Sanderson, which happened on October 25 around 3:30am.

Mr Osbourne supported the licensing committee’s decision to review Oceana’s procedures and actions in order to determine whether or not all appropriate measures were taken to avoid the incident.

“This is clearly the right thing to do when there has been a stabbing in a nightclub and there are concerns over security arrangements.

“It is proper that we give ourselves the proper space to get all the proper information to make a considered long-term decision.

“It is important within the midst of this that we remember a young person has died and that our sympathies must be with families,” Mr Osbourne said.

Police have been granted extra time to question a 22-year-old man who has been arrested in connection with the case. He has not yet been charged.

Shut it down

A Facebook page has been created called “Shut down Oceana Kingston” and has attracted both supportive and opposing followers.

Before the council’s decision to revoke the nightclub’s licence, Oceana Kingston posted on their official Facebook page informing customers that the club would be closed temporarily.

The post received comments such as: “Should be closed permanently” by Alex Trickey. Jamie Walton said: “Best news, hope you never reopen!”

Looking for witnesses

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lawson of the Metropolitan Police said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in the Oceana nightclub at around the time of this incident to come forward.

“This incident took place in the vicinity of the ground floor cloakroom toilets – if you were in that area of the club and saw the altercation, or the events leading up to this altercation, you may have vital evidence which could help this investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 0208 358 0200 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.